Green Tea Extract Review

Information About Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract (GTE) is green tea in its concentrated form. One capsule usually contains the same amount of active ingredients as a cup of green tea.

The extract is an abundant source of antioxidants, which work to prevent and slow oxidative damage throughout the body. These are known to have a wide range of health benefits, such as increased fat burning, promoting heart, brain and liver health as well as improving skin and hair. Some studies have even shown that green tea extract antioxidants may reduce the risk of cancer.

The Bottom Line – Green tea extract is a concentrated form of green tea. It is rich in antioxidants and has several substantial health benefits, including increased fat burning which may aid weight loss.

Green Tea Extract Health Benefits

Green tea extract is known for its ability to help boost certain health functions in the body and even prevent certain diseases.

Below is a list of the possible benefits we’ve found:

Green Tea Extract is a Great Source of Antioxidants

Most of GTE’s health benefits are due to it being rich in antioxidants, called catechins. These antioxidants are particularly effective in reducing oxidative stress [1], by fighting cell damage associated with aging and multiple diseases [2]. Research has shown that green tea extract increases the antioxidant capacity, this way helping the body fight against oxidative stress more effectively.

Green Tea Extract Can Help With Weight Loss

Green tea extract is often used as a supplement by people looking to shed unwanted pounds. It is rich in antioxidants (catechins) as well as caffeine – a combination which has been found [3] to regulate the hormones that enhance thermogenesis (a metabolic process during which our bodies burn calories to produce heat). Green tea [4] has been shown to make this process more effective by increasing the number of calories that are burned – which can lead to weight loss.

Green Tea Extract May Promote Heart Health

Green tea extract helps lower high blood pressure and reduce blood fat levels, this way helping prevent certain heart diseases. Oxidative stress increases fat build-up in the blood, which leads to inflammation of the arteries, and consequently hypertension [5]. The antioxidants found in green tea extract work to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. In addition, it also helps reduce blood fat levels (e.g. triglycerides and cholesterol).

Green Tea Extract May Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Antioxidants found in green tea extract have been linked to prevention [6] of various cancers. One of the common processes in our body tissues and organs is cell death and regrowth. Stem cells produce new cells which replace the ones that die, keeping the body healthy. Cancer occurs when this balance is disrupted, and body starts producing dysfunctional cells. The antioxidants found in green tea extract [7], particularly EGCG, have been found to help balance new cell production and death.

Green Tea Extract Can Boost Your Exercise Performance and Recovery

Exercise is a key element of a healthy lifestyle, and it effectively boosts our physical and mental wellbeing. However, extreme exercise can cause the body to experience oxidative stress [8] and cause damage to the body cells. As green tea extract is full of antioxidants, taking green tea extract supplements can help reduce damage to your muscles and delay muscle fatigue.

The Bottom Line – Green tea is a powerful ingredient, which has several substantial health benefits. The combination of caffeine and catechins found in green tea extract can improve your ability to lose weight as well as boost your heart health, protect against oxidative stress and even reduce the risk of cancer.

How To Use Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract can be taken in a number of ways. For weight loss, it is important to ensure that the supplement contains standardized extracts of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant that aids weight loss. To optimize its weight loss properties, your daily dose of green tea extract should contain at least 270mg of EGCG, divided into 2 or 3 doses.

The most common methods of taking green tea extract are:

As capsules 2-3 times a day (with food).

As powder, by adding it to water, juice or tea.

The typical dosage amount for green tea extract ranges between 250-500mg daily. It is recommended that you do not exceed 500mg.

Are There Any Foods That Contain Green Tea Extract?

The only drink that contains green tea extract is green tea. However, there are foods that contain catechins – the most beneficial antioxidant found in green tea extract.

Green Tea Extract Side Effects List

Note: these side effects are possible but may not be the typical user experience.

Is Green Tea Extract Safe?

When taken in moderation, green tea extract is likely safe for most adults.

Remember, prior to using green tea extract, you should consult with your doctor if you have any kind of medical condition.

When Should I Not Take Green Tea Extract?

If you have anaemia: Green tea has been shown to reduce the amount of iron you get from food and supplements.

If you are pregnant of breast-feeding: Due to the high levels of caffeine green tea extract contains, it is too strong to be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

If you have a heart condition: Caffeine found in green tea could cause irregular heartbeat.

If you have liver disease: Certain green tea extract products have been linked to rare cases of liver damage. People with liver disease should steer away from green tea extract.

Has Green Tea Extract Been Linked To Any Deaths?

Green tea extract has been linked to liver failure, and partially linked to two deaths.

Green tea extract could be fatal due to the high amount of caffeine (fatal dose of caffeine in green tea is estimated to be 10-14 grams).

The Bottom Line – If taken in moderation, green tea extract is likely safe. However, it is important to consult your doctor before you begin taking the supplement to ensure there won’t be any harmful effects to your health.

Where Can I Buy Green Tea Extract & Do I Need A Prescription?

You don’t need a prescription to buy green tea extract and you can purchase it from a range of specialty nutrient and supplement suppliers online.

You can also find green tea extract capsules and/or powder in most drugstores. Make sure you opt for organic green tea extract.

Conclusion

Because it is rich in antioxidants, green tea extract is an effective way to improve your health and wellbeing.